Harding Fire 35 % Contained

Firefighters were holding ground early Friday against a 2,000-acre forest fire burning northwest of Lake Tahoe. The Hardy fire, burning in timber on the border of the TahoeNational Forest, jumped a line overnight on the western boundary,but crews were able to stop its advance, fire spokesman Tim Evanssaid Friday. No homes or structures were immediately threatened, Evans said.The fire is burning about 35 miles west of Reno near CaliforniaState Highway 49 between Sierraville and Loyalton. Nearly 500 firefighters are on the scene, being assisted by sixairtankers and four helicopoters. Two Sky-crane helicopters, eachable to carry 3,000 gallons of water, joined the aerial assaultFriday. Evans said firefighters hoped to make significant progressbefore Sunday, when weather forecasters predict gusty afternoonwinds and continued hot, dry conditions. The fire remained 30 percent contained, with full containmentexpected Tuesday, Evans said. Three firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion Wednesdaynight but no new injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but apparentlystarted right next to the highway near Harding Point. It burnedgrass and shrubs then spread Wednesday night into timber near theAntelope drainage. There was no lightning in the area.

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